A CONTROVERSIAL off-licence in Bridgwater has had its license revoked after ‘repeated criminal activity’ on the premises and reportedly contributing to anti-social behaviour in the town.

International Food Centre, in Binford Place, had its license reviewed by Sedgemoor District Council after concerns from Trading Standards, police and the town council.

The panel heard how Mehmet Yildirim had repeatedly breached his license conditions, did not keep adequate CCTV records and the store has acted as a 'magnet for street drinkers'.

Jeff Savage, chairman of the Sedgemoor District Council Licensing and Gambling Committee, said: "It is the belief of this panel that Mr Yildirim's acceptance of his transgressions is too little, too late. The Panel has considered the suspension of the licence to enable Mr Yildirim to address the licence breaches but has no confidence in his ability to do so.

"The Panel reiterates it comments made in January that Mr Yildirim still appears ill-equipped, unprepared and lacking in ability to manage a licensed premises."

The Panel said the revocation of the license was the only appropriate sanction and it will take effect from 8am on October 25. Mr Yildirim has the right to appeal the decision at Taunton Magistrates' Court.

Inspector Andy Pritchard from Avon and Somerset Police said: “The local community repeatedly raised concerns to us about crime and disorder in and around Binford Place.

“We listened to these concerns and tackling anti-social behaviour among street drinkers in Bridgwater has been the number one priority for the neighbourhood team for the past couple of months.

“We’ve issued 10 dispersal orders along with three community protection warnings and as a direct result we’ve seen the number of complaints fall by two-thirds.

“We’ve also been conducting high visibility patrols in the area and have regularly targeted offenders using powers to confiscate alcohol where appropriate.

“I am relieved that this shop, which has failed to engage with us and our partners and has failed to acknowledge the issues it has contributed to, has had its licence revoked. 

“We will continue to work with our partners to hold licensed premises to account and to ensure they are operating responsibly.”

Jay Capel from the Trading Standards explained that illicit tobacco and alcohol was seized from the premises on September 7 and that an investigation is ongoing.

Representing Mr Yildirim, Paul Rodgers explained that Mr Yildirim accepted his business had not historically come up to scratch but that he is keen to address and to that end the issues with the CCTV system and a member of staff had recently passed the personal licence exam.

The panel concluded that the Sedgemoor District Council's licensing objective to prevent crime was being 'undermined by the use of the premises for criminal activity and continual breaches of the licence conditions.

As well as the police and trading standards representations and Mr Rodgers speaking on behalf of Mr Yildirim,  the panel also heard from Bridgwater town clerk Alan Hurford, Cllr Leigh Redman and Cllr Brian Smedley, all of whom spoke in favour of revoking the licence.